Guna CavesThe Guna Caves is located very close to Pillar Rock, one of the most popular attractions of Kodaikanal. But after the movie was released, the caves tourists started thronging the place in droves and within no time became even more popular than Pillar Rock itself .In fact, after the movie was released, the place that was originally called the Devil's Kitchen itself became known as Guna caves and that's how it has been known ever since.
Pillar RocksPillar Rocks view point is located about 7 Km from the lake. From this view point we can see 3 vertical tall granite boulders measuring a height of about 122 m (400 ft) each standing side by side vertically and magnificently jutting into the sky offering a spectacular view. A mini garden with a very wide range of flowers has been developed here at the view point on the opposing cliff with a large parking area. This view point is one of the most popular attractions in Kodaikanal, so it is always crowded. Thick woods line the road leading to the Pillar Rocks.
KurinjiAndavar TempleThis is a neat small Hindu Temple around 3 Km northeast from Kodaikanal Lake and Lord Subramanya is worshipped here. According to Tamil Literature, Lord Subramanya or Murugan is the God of 'Kurinji' or the Hilly region. The Palani Hill and the northern plains can be seen from here. The terraced hills with Carrot cultivation, and a few small hamlets can be seen in the Northern hill range from the view point besides the temple.
ObservatoryThis is the highest point in the Kodaikanal hills at 7700 ft., about 3 Km. uphill from the Kodaikanal Lake and 6 Km away from Kodaikanal bus stand. We can study more about the celestial objects if we observe the sky from a great altitude since the interference from city lights is very less here. With this intention, this research centre was built in 1898. Its erstwhile director John Evershed discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in sunspots and is known by his name as the Evershed Effect. The observatory has also got a well equipped laboratory doing quality research work. Visitors can also see a small museum here.
Kukkal CavesTo reach Kukkal Caves which is at a distance of 40 kms, travel by bus upto Poombarai and then give a walk. It is preferable to take a local guide. After walking through geranium plantations, pine and wattle forest, the Kukkal forest rest house can be reached. The early morning hike from the rest house will lead to beautiful shola with wild large orchids. One should be beware of leeches. The caves here are actually overhanging slabs of rocks. This rock shelter is at an altitude of 1500 m.
40 Miles RoundedFor the visitors enjoying long hiking and trekking, a wonderful 3 to 4 days trek is available with delightful path. The usual trek follows from Berijem lake to the Kerala border Vandaraw and will be back via 'Poondi' , Kavunji, and Kukkal. We can see the Mannavanur sheep farm while trekking via this route.
Falls
Silver cascade water fall is located on the main ghat road, 8 kms prior as one approaches Kodai. Overflow of Kodai lake takes 180 ft leap over a steepcliff, to crash into a pool beside the ghat Road.
Bear Shola FallsAn ideal picnic spot 1.6 km from bus stand and within 1/2 Kms off the lake, where long ago bears came to drink water. Hence the name of the falls became Bear Shola falls. Cross the lake bund, pass the Telephone exchange on your right, and at the junction take the lower road there reach to falls. The approach is rugged hill path. The falls are at the best in rainy season.
Pambar Falls" Grand cascade" is another name for this magnificent falls. It can be reached by a steep, precipitous path behind Pambar house. Racing down Pambar Raivine is Zig-zagging leving stream that cascades over a series of rock formations. It is 4kms away from Kodaikanal
Bryant Parktourist attraction of Kodaikanal is the Bryant Park. It is a botanical park situated on the Eastern side of the lake. It layout was planned, landscaped and stocked by a British Forest officer after whom it was named. Cut flowers are exported from here. In the month of May, the annual horticultural show in held here.
Coaker's WalkAbout a kilometre from the lake is Coaker's Walk just across the Bryant Park that runs along a steep, emerald green wooded slope, winding around Mt. Nebo. It is a gated paved narrow path, boulevard and walking trail of length 1 km for pedestrians which runs along the steep mountains that offers good views. A walk along this path will give you a wonderful view of many places such as Valley of the pamba river in South East, Dolphin's nose in south & Bird's eye view of Periyakulam township in the plains and even the city of Madurai from here.
Chettiar Park Chettiar park, managed by the township, is on the way to the Kurunji Temple. It is 3.2 kms from the Bus Stand. Unlike other areas this park is very quite, and those who love calm timepassing can prefer this park.
Palani Hills National ParkThe Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is a proposed Protected area in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu State South India. The Park will be an upgrade and expansion of the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary being established in 2008. Area is 736.87 Km'. The park includes about 36% of the 2,068 Sq. Km in the Palani Hills. The park is located between Latitude 10'7' - 10'28' N and Longitude 77'16' - 77'46' E. Central location 10'17.5'N, 77'31'E is 0.7 Km west of the Aeon centre of Cosmology and 7.4 Km N X NE of Kodaikanal.
Dolpin's NoseTo reach Dolphins nose at a distance of 8 kms from the bus stand, one has to follow the route specified here.There is an old road after crossing Pambar Bridge near levinge stream. A rough curve rounds the hillside which leads to a point where a flat rock projects over an awful chesm of 6600 feet deep. This is Dolphins nose. On the way, beautiful views of plains and steepy rocky eascarpeints called rolling hills can be seen. The old village of vellagavi can be reached through the rugged bridle path.
Vembadi PeakVembadi Peak is the second highest peak with a height of 2466m. A right turn in Berijam road and a steep climb leads you to the top. From the stone summit, one can have a magnificent view over Berijam lake, Vandaravu range, Mannovanur sheep farm , Poombarai valley and over all Kerala. The hike will begin from Kodaikanal TV Tower.
Palani HillsThe Palani hills are at eastern offshoot of the Western ghats covering an area of 2400 Sq. Kms, and the town of Kodaikanal is centrally located. There are 2 main divisions of Palani - the Upper Palani (1800 - 2500 m)and the Lower Palani (800 - 1500 M). The climate of the Palani varies with altitude from the typical climate of the Tamil Nad. The average rainfall in Palani is 1600 mm. The major contribution being from the North East monsoon though there is some rainfall during the South West monsoon period. The Palani is a source of unique genetic diversity as well as of water for the thirsty plains below.
Dolmen CircleDolmen Circle of great anthropological significance at Kodaikanal is the presence of pre-historic remains, these are called Dolmens and Kistavens which are the dwelling and burial places of people of stone age and iron age. According to the erudite researchers and savant scholars, the dolmens date as far back as 5000 BC. Located 8 km from Kodaikanal Lake, Dolmen circle contains remains of pre-historic inhabitants of this area and burial urns and models of dolmens. It is 18 km from Berijam Lake.
Shenbaganur MuseumThis museum is Maintained by the Sacred Heart College - Theological Seminary founded in 1895. It is devoted to archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best orchidoriums in the country with more that 300 species of orchids is also housed here. It is about 5.6 Kms from the lake. A Spanish Father Ugarthe, contributed his major collections to the Museum. Entrance fee Rs one per head.
Museum Working hours - 10 A.M to 11.30 A.M and 3P.M to 5P.M